Standing Tall or Standing Small in Your Faith

January 4, 2017

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When it comes to being an example of what you believe, do you stand tall? Or do you find yourself standing a little small. If you do, you’re not alone. It takes courage to stand tall because, most of the time, it means standing out.

"If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world,” said Elaine S. Dalton.

Christ is our only perfect example of standing tall without fail. He remained courageous and obedient, especially in the face of adversity and temptation. We can become that way too. All it takes is performing ordinary acts each day, like these.

Love God more than material things.

Jesus is the son of our Heavenly Father. He’s our Savior and King. Yet, He lived a simple and humble life. Likewise, we need to live a life focused on God, our relationships and our spiritual wellbeing. We need to love God, our family and friends more than the things money can buy or the world tells us is important. You have to convey to others through how you live your life that there are more important things to cherish than the newest goods.

Honor the roles you’ve been given.

We spend our days living out the roles God has given us, i.e. student, employee, boss, spouse, parent, child, sibling, etc. We must acknowledge these roles we’ve been given and commit to living each role while glorifying God. As an employee, this means being kind to and honest with your coworkers. As a child, this means loving and respecting your parents and siblings in word and action.

Immerse yourself in your community.

You can stand tall in your home, but if you really want to be like Christ, then you’ll put yourself out in your community just like He did. Get involved with local food drives, attend sports games, shop at local stores and participate in other community events. Love and serve your neighbors, coworkers and even those you don’t know in your community.

Immersing yourself doesn’t mean doing everything those around you are doing or condoning things the world says is fine but God has said isn’t. We can’t avoid the world; we must live in it, but we don’t have to be of it (John 15:19). Be an active member of your community while being a positive influence by sticking to your standards every day, and in every situation.

While standing tall doesn’t have to be difficult, it also doesn’t mean it’s going to always be easy. H. David Burton gives those who are wondering if this effort is worth it a wonderfully straightforward answer. “Feeling the intense pressure from peers and the need to be accepted, some may ask the question, ‘Is it worth the effort to stand tall?’ To that question I respond, ‘If life eternal is important to you and if you want to experience real joy in this life, then standing tall is worth the determination and tireless daily effort it requires.’”

Take a stand for Christ. And start today with small and simple actions that mirror how He lived His everyday life.